(Peru, Neb.) – Reigning as the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) post-season champs, the Bobcat baseball team had that goal in sight once again this season.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.  After going 1-1 in the HAAC tourney and being in the running to get a bid into the national NAIA tournament, cold and wet conditions caused the HAAC administrators to cancel the tournament. This put Central Methodist University and Avila University into the NAIA national tournament, as they were both 2-0 in the HAAC tourney at that point.
 
Although the HAAC tourney cancellation put an end to the 'Cats dreams of reaching the NAIA national tournament once again, they still had an outstanding season with a 27-16 record.  The team finished the regular season on a 13 game winning streak giving them a conference record of 18-8, which was good enough for a first place finish in the Western Division and a second place finish overall in the HAAC. 
 
Nationally, the Bobcats are currently ranked in 11 different categories as a team in the NAIA Division I.  They rank sixth in triples per game (0.419), ninth in opponent batting average (.231), tenth in slugging percentage (.463), tenth in hits per game (10.093), 11^th in batting average (.324), 16^th in doubles per game (1.953), 17^th in total triples (18), 31^st in home runs per game (0.512), 47^th in runs scored per game (6.209), 47^th in runs batted in per game (5.488), and 49^th in at bats per game (31.140).
 
Individually, the 'Cats currently have 14 NAIA Division I rankings.  Derek Voigt (Auburn, Wash.) and Tyler Croushorn (Omaha) are tied for first nationally in fielding percentage (1.000).  Randy Santiesteban (Hialeah, Fla.) ranks fourth in assists per game (3.465), 19^th in runs batted in per game (1.070), 30^th in total assists (149), and 39^th in total bases per game (2.070).  Tim Patterson (Valdosta, Ga.) is ranked fifth in total hits allowed (35), 32^nd in opponent batting average (.203), and 35^th in hits allowed per nine (6.65).  Tyler Cherin (Seattle, Wash.) ranks sixth in errors per game (0.558).  Aubrey Dezarn (Las Vegas, Nev.) is currently ranked 14^th in triples per game (0.118), 42^nd in total triples (4), and 47^th in total hits allowed (47).  Ryan Grabowski (Omaha) ranks 36^th in batting average (.398).
 
The Bobcat baseball team fared well with post-season all HAAC selections as they had seven players receiving honors, six of whom were first team selections.  Earning first team honors were senior outfielders Grabowski and  Voigt, junior outfielder Croushorn, junior catcher Jake Wright (Freeport, Fla.), junior designated hitter Derek Davis (Orange Park, Fla.) and sophomore shortstop Santiesteban.  Receiving honorable mention honors was junior second baseman Ronnie Tanner (Havertown, Pa.).  Both Voigt and Croushorn were selected to the HAAC Golden Glove Team as well for outstanding fielding.
 
With the conclusion of this season a few players were able to make their mark in the Peru State record books.  Grabowski now ranks ninth all time in Peru State history in highest on-base percentage in a single season (.474).  He also is tied for second in career batting average (.398).  Croushorn is tied for tenth in career triples (5).  Lastly, Dezarn is tied for third in single season triples (4).
 
Looking into next season, the Bobcats return three starting pitchers who all saw several starts, three starting infielders, one starting outfielder, their two catchers who both started games, and their designated hitter.  Along with their returning starters, they return seven other players and will be bringing in several newcomers.  The 'Cats once again look to be a strong team in the HAAC and NAIA next year.